PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD with depression, alcohol dependence and abuse is currently manifested by reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as depressed mood; anxiety; suspiciousness; chronic sleep impairment; and difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent disabling, effective February 4, 2016. The Board found that the symptoms of PTSD have remained consistent with those previously described.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, effective March 6, 2009. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD and depression, has not resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity during any part of the rating period since May 2010. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD and other psychiatric diagnoses, including whether they are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and sinusitis were granted, with effective dates of March 24, 2009. The Veteran did not appeal the denial of his earlier requested service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since October 3, 2014. His depression is not service-connected.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available. The Veteran also meets the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction. The Board found that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his active duty service.

The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's service in Vietnam caused his acquired psychiatric disorder, which contributed to his death from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and a depressive disorder, requires additional development as there are outstanding medical records and further examination is needed.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder have been rated at the highest possible level of disability, with a rating of 70 percent. The appeal for higher ratings has been granted.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD and will further address this issue in a separate decision.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for PTSD is withdrawn. The claim of service connection for hearing loss was denied in 2004 and reopened with new evidence, but the Board finds that there is no causal relationship between the Veteran's current hearing loss and his military service.,PTSD: The Veteran did not provide sufficient evidence to establish a direct link between his PTSD and service. The claim remains pending.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder, is attributable to service. The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of these conditions and there is medical evidence linking them to her in-service experiences.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment, but not total impairment. The Veteran also meets the criteria for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD with bipolar disorder is rated at 50 percent, and the Board has granted a higher rating to reflect his current level of disability. The Veteran also meets criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of records. The issues include psychiatric disorders, hearing loss, lumbar spine disability, rhinitis, sinusitis, and TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was granted effective September 10, 2012. The Veteran also received Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits effective the same date.,Prior to this decision, the Veteran had been receiving a 50% disability evaluation for PTSD since January 2010.